Salmonellosis outbreak under investigation

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) officials said June 5 that federal, state and local authorities are investigating a multi-state outbreak of the Saint Paul strain of the Salmonella bacteria. DSHS health officials have confirmed 21 cases in Texas since mid-April, including cases in Harris, Fort Bend, Dallas, Tarrant, Hays and Cameron counties. No deaths have

been reported; and no cases have been reported in Baytown.

Health authorities say the investigation is in its early stages but that consumption of raw tomatoes has been implicated as the likely source of infections. Specific types and source of tomatoes remain under investigation.

Until the specific source of the illnesses is determined, health officials advise that:

• People with increased risk of severe infection including infants, the elderly and those with impaired immune systems not eat any raw Roma or full-sized round tomatoes other than those sold attached to the vine or grown at home.

• People who want to reduce their risk of Salmonella infection avoid eating raw Roma or full sized round tomatoes other than those sold attached to the vine or grown at home.